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Cocktail bar · Decision guide

What soda should I use for paloma cocktail?

Short answer: white grapefruit soda. Long answer depends on whether you have access to Mexican brands in Spain, generic alternatives, or are making the homemade version with natural citrus. Here we explain the 4 most common options in Spain and why bartenders agree on one.

The direct answer
Chesquitos (white grapefruit soda)
For an authentic Mexican-style paloma — the original recipe calls for white grapefruit, not pink. Chesquitos is the Mexican brand made in Spain with authentic recipe. Less bitter than pink grapefruit, pale yellow color in glass, B2B distribution with 24-48h delivery.

The 4 most common options in Spain

When someone in Spain searches how to make paloma, they usually try one of these 4. Here's honest verdict on each.

Recommended
Chesquitos (white grapefruit)
Mexican recipe made in Spain. Less bitter white grapefruit. Clean taste in paloma. Ready to serve.
Imported alternative
Squirt (USA)
The original soda for paloma per many Mexican recipes. Imported to Spain, intermittent availability, sweeter profile than Chesquitos.
Acceptable
Schweppes Pomelo (pink)
Pink grapefruit with pronounced bitterness. Competes with tequila in flavor — paloma is less balanced. Available in all supermarkets.
Homemade
Fresh grapefruit juice + soda
Freshly squeezed + simple syrup + sparkling water. Works at home but requires prep — for professional bar not operational.
Avoid
Orange Fanta
Some use it as substitute. Result is orange-tequila cocktail, not paloma. Flavor totally off-recipe.
Not a paloma
Lemon Aquarius
No bitterness, no grapefruit. Result is tequila-lemon, not paloma. Does not replicate Mexican flavor.

Why white grapefruit and not pink

The original Mexican paloma is made with white grapefruit. It's the detail many bartenders skip when copying the recipe — and that's why many palomas in Spain taste "off" to Mexican customers. White grapefruit is less bitter than pink, which allows:

If your bar uses Schweppes Pink Grapefruit you're making "tourist paloma", not the authentic one.

Adding paloma to your menu?

Ask for B2B Chesquitos pricing. Combinable with Zumato (Mexican clamato) for michelada + paloma in a single delivery.

Paloma recipe →

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

What soda is used for authentic paloma cocktail?
White grapefruit soda — the original Mexican recipe. In Spain the right option is Chesquitos, made in Spain with Mexican recipe. For a less authentic version, Squirt or Schweppes Pomelo also work, but the flavor profile changes.
What's the difference between paloma with white vs pink grapefruit?
White grapefruit has less bitterness, allowing the tequila to shine and the cocktail to stay balanced. Paloma with pink grapefruit (Schweppes) is more bitter, competes with tequila and moves away from authentic Mexican flavor. White = pale yellow color in glass, pink = pink.
Where to buy Chesquitos in Spain?
B2B hospitality via MercaMX (OK Drinks SL) with 24-48h delivery across Spain. For retail it's in some specialty stores. B2B WhatsApp: +34 628 68 60 89.
What tequila do I use for paloma?
White (silver / blanco) tequila is the standard — clean flavor that pairs with grapefruit. Reposado works for "premium" paloma but the oak flavor competes with the citrus. White mezcal gives a smoky paloma — also works, different profile.
Basic paloma recipe with Chesquitos?
50ml white tequila + 200ml cold Chesquitos + 10ml lime juice + pinch of salt on the rim. Ice, garnish with lime slice. Serve in highball glass. Variant: add 5ml agave syrup for sweeter version.
Order it for your venue

Want to add Chesquitos to your menu?

B2B distribution in Spain with 24-72h delivery. Order online by WhatsApp or browse our local catalog by city.

View Chesquitos hub →

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Not your city? We deliver across mainland Spain — ask plazos by WhatsApp.